On December 10, the Financial Times published a fascinating article by Neil Munshi, dateline Maiduguri, on how honest businesses have adapted to operating in areas affected by Boko Haram. Specifically, Munshi cites Coca-Cola, Unilvever, and MTN, and telecommunications company. Since multinational forces dislodged Boko Haram from holding territory in 2015, the three have expanded their operations and their markets in Nigeria’s northeast.

There are numerous proposals for police reform in Nigeria. One such reform, which has the support of some governors, is the creation of state police forces to replace or augment the NPF. In the north, vigilante groups, most notably members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, have an established presence in their communities and can be effective instruments of law enforcement, though they are not entirely accountable.